Living with a folding bike
11-23-12, 04:54 AM
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Living with a folding bike
Hey All,
I have another thread going with some general questions ( https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...nd-questions-) ), but I thought this one deserved it's own.
As a new owner of a folding bike, and as someone who is about to spend five months braving the streets of Melbourne and Berlin, I am a little nervous about how to use my new folder. From theft, to riding, shopping, to fitness, I am curious how all of you deal with the day-to-day of using your folders in daily life. The following questions are a few things I have been wondering about. Any insight and advice you guys have would be greatly appreciated.
And with that...to the questions.
1. Theft
From what I can imagine, folding bikes are probably a target for thieves. Not only do they probably have a high resale value, but you can walk off with them pretty easy. When I visited Berlin before, I noticed that many people just throw a U-Lock between the frame and the tire, kick down the stand, and leave it sitting there. I suppose the idea is that since no one can just ride off, they're less of a target than the next bike. As I researched folding bikes, I noticed that many people prefer to fold up their bike, and take it with them.
So my questions are:
- What are your preferred methods of theft prevention?
- If you fold your bike and take it with you, do you ever run into issues with businesses and public places?
- If locking the bike is the only option, what do you do about keeping parts on the bike such as the seat?
- What general advice do you have for keeping the bike safe?
- What lock(s) do you recommend for folders?
2. Living with a bike
As we all know, millions of people use their bikes as their primary mode of transportation. In Berlin, I noticed a lot of people who use their bikes to do every chore imaginable. When I go to Berlin, I would like to have the option to use my bike as my way of getting around, and getting things done. My concern however, is what it's actually like to use a folding bike in these situations, and if it differs at all from non-folders.
- When shopping (assuming that bikes are allowed in the store), do you have any methods of using the bike as a basket?
- Do you prefer to use a basket on your bike, or do you use a backpack and avoid the extra bulk / limitations to folding?
- For those of you who own a Tern bike, how do you deal with the front basket position when wheeling the bike, does it work?
3. Fitness
I currently live in a small Canadian town where I can get on my recumbent and ride for hours without seeing another person. When I visited Berlin, it was like putting everyone in the town on my front lawn. My primary reason for getting a bike (besides the enjoyment) is for fitness. Owning my own business means long hours of sitting, and unless I make some serious lifestyle changes, I'm going to have to install the wheels from my bike on my chair at home. So I have some questions regarding using a folder for fitness in a city (these are kind of general to all bikes).
- How do you guys deal with the population density?
- Do you find that you are able to get a decent workout?
- Are there any dangers to listening to music/podcasts while out riding? (obviously there is in high traffic, but are there laws or anything against it in say parks or separate bike ways?)
- Any advice to streamlining a workout in a populated urban environment?
4. Misc
I think that's most of the questions I have. These last few are just some miscellaneous ones I've been wondering about.
- Before I leave for my trip, are there any accessories that I should get? (I have spare tires, and will be picking up a toolkit this week)
- Are there any specific dangers to riding folding bikes? (my recumbent requires special attention when moving at slow speeds in town as it starts to become unstable)
I want to thank you all in advance for taking the time to read and answer these questions. I know many of them may seem a bit newbish and strange, but I just really want to make sure I'm as prepared and safe as possible. It's strange enough to be in a new country and not know the customs or laws, so the more I can do to prepare the better.
Thanks!
CLM
I have another thread going with some general questions ( https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...nd-questions-) ), but I thought this one deserved it's own.
As a new owner of a folding bike, and as someone who is about to spend five months braving the streets of Melbourne and Berlin, I am a little nervous about how to use my new folder. From theft, to riding, shopping, to fitness, I am curious how all of you deal with the day-to-day of using your folders in daily life. The following questions are a few things I have been wondering about. Any insight and advice you guys have would be greatly appreciated.
And with that...to the questions.
1. Theft
From what I can imagine, folding bikes are probably a target for thieves. Not only do they probably have a high resale value, but you can walk off with them pretty easy. When I visited Berlin before, I noticed that many people just throw a U-Lock between the frame and the tire, kick down the stand, and leave it sitting there. I suppose the idea is that since no one can just ride off, they're less of a target than the next bike. As I researched folding bikes, I noticed that many people prefer to fold up their bike, and take it with them.
So my questions are:
- What are your preferred methods of theft prevention?
- If you fold your bike and take it with you, do you ever run into issues with businesses and public places?
- If locking the bike is the only option, what do you do about keeping parts on the bike such as the seat?
- What general advice do you have for keeping the bike safe?
- What lock(s) do you recommend for folders?
2. Living with a bike
As we all know, millions of people use their bikes as their primary mode of transportation. In Berlin, I noticed a lot of people who use their bikes to do every chore imaginable. When I go to Berlin, I would like to have the option to use my bike as my way of getting around, and getting things done. My concern however, is what it's actually like to use a folding bike in these situations, and if it differs at all from non-folders.
- When shopping (assuming that bikes are allowed in the store), do you have any methods of using the bike as a basket?
- Do you prefer to use a basket on your bike, or do you use a backpack and avoid the extra bulk / limitations to folding?
- For those of you who own a Tern bike, how do you deal with the front basket position when wheeling the bike, does it work?
3. Fitness
I currently live in a small Canadian town where I can get on my recumbent and ride for hours without seeing another person. When I visited Berlin, it was like putting everyone in the town on my front lawn. My primary reason for getting a bike (besides the enjoyment) is for fitness. Owning my own business means long hours of sitting, and unless I make some serious lifestyle changes, I'm going to have to install the wheels from my bike on my chair at home. So I have some questions regarding using a folder for fitness in a city (these are kind of general to all bikes).
- How do you guys deal with the population density?
- Do you find that you are able to get a decent workout?
- Are there any dangers to listening to music/podcasts while out riding? (obviously there is in high traffic, but are there laws or anything against it in say parks or separate bike ways?)
- Any advice to streamlining a workout in a populated urban environment?
4. Misc
I think that's most of the questions I have. These last few are just some miscellaneous ones I've been wondering about.
- Before I leave for my trip, are there any accessories that I should get? (I have spare tires, and will be picking up a toolkit this week)
- Are there any specific dangers to riding folding bikes? (my recumbent requires special attention when moving at slow speeds in town as it starts to become unstable)
I want to thank you all in advance for taking the time to read and answer these questions. I know many of them may seem a bit newbish and strange, but I just really want to make sure I'm as prepared and safe as possible. It's strange enough to be in a new country and not know the customs or laws, so the more I can do to prepare the better.
Thanks!
CLM
11-23-12, 06:28 AM
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In general I wouldn't want to leave a valuable bike locked outside. . . I visited Berlin about 5 years ago and bicycle theft was very low but on the rise. With the flat terrain and proper cycling infrastructure a simple dutch-style beater makes sense.
IMO the only folder which gets close to the ideal of a 'take everywhere/anywhere' bike is the Brompton. . . and given how expensive it is one would really not want to have to leave it locked and unattended.
IMO the only folder which gets close to the ideal of a 'take everywhere/anywhere' bike is the Brompton. . . and given how expensive it is one would really not want to have to leave it locked and unattended.
11-23-12, 07:10 AM
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In general I wouldn't want to leave a valuable bike locked outside. . . I visited Berlin about 5 years ago and bicycle theft was very low but on the rise. With the flat terrain and proper cycling infrastructure a simple dutch-style beater makes sense.
IMO the only folder which gets close to the ideal of a 'take everywhere/anywhere' bike is the Brompton. . . and given how expensive it is one would really not want to have to leave it locked and unattended.
IMO the only folder which gets close to the ideal of a 'take everywhere/anywhere' bike is the Brompton. . . and given how expensive it is one would really not want to have to leave it locked and unattended.
When I was in Berlin before and my girlfriend was awesome and found me two bikes I could borrow. The problem is, if a bike sucks, I won't ride it. It's not that I care what it looks like or anything, but if I don't feel safe, or comfortable on it, then my desire to use it drops dramatically. I already have to fight to do anything physical during my day, so the thought of getting on a rickety old bike, is usually enough to deter me.
The other thing is, a bike is just a bike. Sure, it cost me $1200, but I refuse to let that deter me from riding it. I've just spent the last hour or so watching YouTube and it's pretty apparent how easy it is to get a bike. The best you can do is try your best and hope. That said, I don't want to be a moron about it.
I'm trying to track down some lock options, for the frame, tires, seat, etc. I've been looking at different bike registration services, and even a GPS tracking service. What I'm more concerned with is whether there are any additional concerns with locking up a folder. For example....should I be concerned if the thief can undo the centre hinge? Would it be better to fold it and lock it, or lock it like a traditional bike?
I want to give my bike the best chances of being there.
11-23-12, 07:17 AM
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I can't imagine any thief trying to disassemble the main hinge; too complex and messy.
I would install quick release pedals if it doesn't already have them and take the seat post and pedals with you when the bike is locked up. . . that should be a big enough deterrent.
I would install quick release pedals if it doesn't already have them and take the seat post and pedals with you when the bike is locked up. . . that should be a big enough deterrent.
11-23-12, 08:10 AM
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1. Theft
During the day time, I have no problems with leaving my folder locked outside, e.g. when at a shop or a 4-hour lecture. As long as the person who would like to steal it has to attract a lot of attention to himself to do it, he won't. And it's surprisingly easy to lock a folder to a fence or pole. I own a Dahon Mu SL and I just wrap a 40cm chain lock around the big frame bar and a few fence posts. You need to disassemble the stem hinge and take out the front wheel, or the seat post, pedals and rear wheel to get the chain around the frame itself, and even then it will need forcing and a lot of manoevring. No way you can do it in less than 5 minutes of obvious thievery.
If you leave it in a dark place at night where few people pass however, no lock is safe. Battery-powered angle grinders, 4 foot long bar cutters will deal with even a quite expensive lock in very little time.
3. Fitness
You need to find a longish clear route where you can bike. Don't turn your commute into a fitness ride; some people do in the big cities but it's very dangerous because you cannot have full traffic awareness at a decent speed at some points, so your ride will be full of frustrating interruptions. On the other hand, western Europe has a lot of bicycle infrastructure and it shouldn't take too long to find a good, safe bike route near your residence. Music is the norm here in Belgium in parks and bikeways, and increasingly in the city although that is a bit daft. I suspect in Germany it's the same, but I am not aware of laws about it there so you might want to hear from actual Germans on that one.
4. Misc
I don't think there is anything safety-wise about a folder that needs a lot of attention. When going through mud or wet grass with the wrong tires, the nervous steering can make you wipe out quicker, but in general the upright position and agility makes a folder quite safe, much safer than a sportier road bike in traffic.
During the day time, I have no problems with leaving my folder locked outside, e.g. when at a shop or a 4-hour lecture. As long as the person who would like to steal it has to attract a lot of attention to himself to do it, he won't. And it's surprisingly easy to lock a folder to a fence or pole. I own a Dahon Mu SL and I just wrap a 40cm chain lock around the big frame bar and a few fence posts. You need to disassemble the stem hinge and take out the front wheel, or the seat post, pedals and rear wheel to get the chain around the frame itself, and even then it will need forcing and a lot of manoevring. No way you can do it in less than 5 minutes of obvious thievery.
If you leave it in a dark place at night where few people pass however, no lock is safe. Battery-powered angle grinders, 4 foot long bar cutters will deal with even a quite expensive lock in very little time.
3. Fitness
You need to find a longish clear route where you can bike. Don't turn your commute into a fitness ride; some people do in the big cities but it's very dangerous because you cannot have full traffic awareness at a decent speed at some points, so your ride will be full of frustrating interruptions. On the other hand, western Europe has a lot of bicycle infrastructure and it shouldn't take too long to find a good, safe bike route near your residence. Music is the norm here in Belgium in parks and bikeways, and increasingly in the city although that is a bit daft. I suspect in Germany it's the same, but I am not aware of laws about it there so you might want to hear from actual Germans on that one.
4. Misc
I don't think there is anything safety-wise about a folder that needs a lot of attention. When going through mud or wet grass with the wrong tires, the nervous steering can make you wipe out quicker, but in general the upright position and agility makes a folder quite safe, much safer than a sportier road bike in traffic.
Last edited by xlDooM; 11-23-12 at 08:13 AM.
11-23-12, 11:08 AM
#6
The Recumbent Quant
Hi,
It looks like you have a Term Like P7i from your last thread...
If you are used to a recumbent, you can consider converting a folding bike into a recumbent using a Cruzbike conversion kit. You should still be able to fit the folding bike into a suitcase for traveling, but it does make it harder to fold the bike (it probably turns a folding bike into a easily packable bike which may or may not meet your needs).
As far as shopping with the bike, most folding bikes don't work very well as shopping carts. Bromptons are an exception (and you probably could with something like the Origami Fox). All that being said, maybe it will work with your Tern. try it and see. If not, I'd recommend a rack as it doesn't look like it will interfere much with folding the bike. Getting panniers that fit folding bikes is a little harder than a regular bike, but certainly possible.
As far as fitness, you can absolutely get a workout on a folding bike. You can get a workout on pretty much any bike. I had a friend who would run at a 9 mph pace and we'd go out "brunning", he'd run and I'd follow along on a folding bike. If he thought I was having it too easy, he'd just change the route to go up big hills.
As far as locking your bike goes, I'd purchase a lock that comes with an anti-theft warrenty. It still sucks if you get a bike stolen, but getting money to buy a new one makes it suck a lot less. I bought MasterLock Cuff locks which are heavy but are easier to use than a U lock and have a $3500 anti-theft guarantee. I generally don't remove seat posts, etc, but I don't ride in areas where this is a big problem.
Having both ears covered to listen to music or whatever is illegal in many (most places) and (in my opinion) quite dangerous. If you want to listen to music, get an small speaker you can put on handlebars, etc. You want the volume quiet enough that you still hear traffic coming up behind you.
Have fun and ride safe,
Charles
It looks like you have a Term Like P7i from your last thread...
If you are used to a recumbent, you can consider converting a folding bike into a recumbent using a Cruzbike conversion kit. You should still be able to fit the folding bike into a suitcase for traveling, but it does make it harder to fold the bike (it probably turns a folding bike into a easily packable bike which may or may not meet your needs).
As far as shopping with the bike, most folding bikes don't work very well as shopping carts. Bromptons are an exception (and you probably could with something like the Origami Fox). All that being said, maybe it will work with your Tern. try it and see. If not, I'd recommend a rack as it doesn't look like it will interfere much with folding the bike. Getting panniers that fit folding bikes is a little harder than a regular bike, but certainly possible.
As far as fitness, you can absolutely get a workout on a folding bike. You can get a workout on pretty much any bike. I had a friend who would run at a 9 mph pace and we'd go out "brunning", he'd run and I'd follow along on a folding bike. If he thought I was having it too easy, he'd just change the route to go up big hills.
As far as locking your bike goes, I'd purchase a lock that comes with an anti-theft warrenty. It still sucks if you get a bike stolen, but getting money to buy a new one makes it suck a lot less. I bought MasterLock Cuff locks which are heavy but are easier to use than a U lock and have a $3500 anti-theft guarantee. I generally don't remove seat posts, etc, but I don't ride in areas where this is a big problem.
Having both ears covered to listen to music or whatever is illegal in many (most places) and (in my opinion) quite dangerous. If you want to listen to music, get an small speaker you can put on handlebars, etc. You want the volume quiet enough that you still hear traffic coming up behind you.
Have fun and ride safe,
Charles
11-23-12, 11:25 PM
#7
Senior Member
For theft I use a real lock, which is a Kryptonite, and I lock my bike to something solid. I have had three bikes stolen from me over the years, all were locked. Unfortunately, two of these bikes cost far more than $1200 each, and they were a sore loss. By the best lock you can afford.
As for living with a bike, it's quite easy. I live in central Tokyo, and am car free. I commute to work each day by bike, and I do most of my shopping by bike as well. I am not a big fan of racks or baskets, I carry what I need in my backpack. I have a work backpack which I use commute to work, and a larger pack which I use when shopping.
Fitness, any exercise will improve your fitness. Years ago I was an amateur racer, I lived on endorphins, and as much food as three ordinary people, yet I was extremely lean and fit. As a business owner myself, I no longer have time to ride 500km per week, I have to content myself with 30 minutes of commuting each day, and occasional longer rides on my rare days off. Still, my blood pressure is great, and my resting pulse is 50 bpm.
I have always loved cycling since I started rising at the age of 6. The walls of my office are decorated with old Italian racing bikes I have restored, and my wife wonders which I need to have 4 bikes at our apartment (folder, road bike, cruiser, and hipster-faze fixie).
Enjoy yourself on your bike. Always carry a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a mini-pump. When going on long rides, pick routes which are straight out so you can't cheat and take a shortcut on the way back. Take the time to make sure your bike fits you properly, get it adjusted until it's perfect, and then record the measurements so you can reset them after folding and unfolding.
Keep riding!
As for living with a bike, it's quite easy. I live in central Tokyo, and am car free. I commute to work each day by bike, and I do most of my shopping by bike as well. I am not a big fan of racks or baskets, I carry what I need in my backpack. I have a work backpack which I use commute to work, and a larger pack which I use when shopping.
Fitness, any exercise will improve your fitness. Years ago I was an amateur racer, I lived on endorphins, and as much food as three ordinary people, yet I was extremely lean and fit. As a business owner myself, I no longer have time to ride 500km per week, I have to content myself with 30 minutes of commuting each day, and occasional longer rides on my rare days off. Still, my blood pressure is great, and my resting pulse is 50 bpm.
I have always loved cycling since I started rising at the age of 6. The walls of my office are decorated with old Italian racing bikes I have restored, and my wife wonders which I need to have 4 bikes at our apartment (folder, road bike, cruiser, and hipster-faze fixie).
Enjoy yourself on your bike. Always carry a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a mini-pump. When going on long rides, pick routes which are straight out so you can't cheat and take a shortcut on the way back. Take the time to make sure your bike fits you properly, get it adjusted until it's perfect, and then record the measurements so you can reset them after folding and unfolding.
Keep riding!
11-24-12, 04:12 AM
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1. Theft
During the day time, I have no problems with leaving my folder locked outside, e.g. when at a shop or a 4-hour lecture. As long as the person who would like to steal it has to attract a lot of attention to himself to do it, he won't. And it's surprisingly easy to lock a folder to a fence or pole. I own a Dahon Mu SL and I just wrap a 40cm chain lock around the big frame bar and a few fence posts. You need to disassemble the stem hinge and take out the front wheel, or the seat post, pedals and rear wheel to get the chain around the frame itself, and even then it will need forcing and a lot of manoevring. No way you can do it in less than 5 minutes of obvious thievery.
If you leave it in a dark place at night where few people pass however, no lock is safe. Battery-powered angle grinders, 4 foot long bar cutters will deal with even a quite expensive lock in very little time.
3. Fitness
You need to find a longish clear route where you can bike. Don't turn your commute into a fitness ride; some people do in the big cities but it's very dangerous because you cannot have full traffic awareness at a decent speed at some points, so your ride will be full of frustrating interruptions. On the other hand, western Europe has a lot of bicycle infrastructure and it shouldn't take too long to find a good, safe bike route near your residence. Music is the norm here in Belgium in parks and bikeways, and increasingly in the city although that is a bit daft. I suspect in Germany it's the same, but I am not aware of laws about it there so you might want to hear from actual Germans on that one.
4. Misc
I don't think there is anything safety-wise about a folder that needs a lot of attention. When going through mud or wet grass with the wrong tires, the nervous steering can make you wipe out quicker, but in general the upright position and agility makes a folder quite safe, much safer than a sportier road bike in traffic.
During the day time, I have no problems with leaving my folder locked outside, e.g. when at a shop or a 4-hour lecture. As long as the person who would like to steal it has to attract a lot of attention to himself to do it, he won't. And it's surprisingly easy to lock a folder to a fence or pole. I own a Dahon Mu SL and I just wrap a 40cm chain lock around the big frame bar and a few fence posts. You need to disassemble the stem hinge and take out the front wheel, or the seat post, pedals and rear wheel to get the chain around the frame itself, and even then it will need forcing and a lot of manoevring. No way you can do it in less than 5 minutes of obvious thievery.
If you leave it in a dark place at night where few people pass however, no lock is safe. Battery-powered angle grinders, 4 foot long bar cutters will deal with even a quite expensive lock in very little time.
3. Fitness
You need to find a longish clear route where you can bike. Don't turn your commute into a fitness ride; some people do in the big cities but it's very dangerous because you cannot have full traffic awareness at a decent speed at some points, so your ride will be full of frustrating interruptions. On the other hand, western Europe has a lot of bicycle infrastructure and it shouldn't take too long to find a good, safe bike route near your residence. Music is the norm here in Belgium in parks and bikeways, and increasingly in the city although that is a bit daft. I suspect in Germany it's the same, but I am not aware of laws about it there so you might want to hear from actual Germans on that one.
4. Misc
I don't think there is anything safety-wise about a folder that needs a lot of attention. When going through mud or wet grass with the wrong tires, the nervous steering can make you wipe out quicker, but in general the upright position and agility makes a folder quite safe, much safer than a sportier road bike in traffic.
1. Theft
I don't see myself locking it up for more than 30 - 45 minutes while I get groceries, and even then that's only if I'm not allowed to bring the bike with me. I've been researching locks all day and I'm leaning towards a Kryptonite U-Lock, a secondary cable, and some Pinhead Wheel & Fork locks. I'm also picking up and registering with that Bike Shepherd service as well.
It may be overkill, but I can't see what else I can do. All other times I'll have the bike with me in the apartment (flat as they call it), so it's not an issue there.
The only thing I can't seem to find information on is whether it's better to lock it folded or not. If I lock it folded, I should be able to put a U-Lock through the frame, the two tires, around the handlebars, and around a post. Then, the cable lock to go through the frame, tires, seat (if I don't bring it with me), and handle bars. If that works, it's kinda double locked. My bike has a front Dynamo, so I'm a little leery about locking it unfolded and just using a cable for the front tire....of course, with the Pinheads....*shrugs* I dunno.
2. Fitness
I don't really have a commute per say. Since I work from home, my rides are mostly for fitness and errands. I hear what you're saying about headphones. I need to check German law, but even at that I don't crank up the volume, and my earbuds don't really drown out all sound anyway. Good advice though.
For theft I use a real lock, which is a Kryptonite, and I lock my bike to something solid. I have had three bikes stolen from me over the years, all were locked. Unfortunately, two of these bikes cost far more than $1200 each, and they were a sore loss. By the best lock you can afford.
As for living with a bike, it's quite easy. I live in central Tokyo, and am car free. I commute to work each day by bike, and I do most of my shopping by bike as well. I am not a big fan of racks or baskets, I carry what I need in my backpack. I have a work backpack which I use commute to work, and a larger pack which I use when shopping.
Fitness, any exercise will improve your fitness. Years ago I was an amateur racer, I lived on endorphins, and as much food as three ordinary people, yet I was extremely lean and fit. As a business owner myself, I no longer have time to ride 500km per week, I have to content myself with 30 minutes of commuting each day, and occasional longer rides on my rare days off. Still, my blood pressure is great, and my resting pulse is 50 bpm.
I have always loved cycling since I started rising at the age of 6. The walls of my office are decorated with old Italian racing bikes I have restored, and my wife wonders which I need to have 4 bikes at our apartment (folder, road bike, cruiser, and hipster-faze fixie).
Enjoy yourself on your bike. Always carry a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a mini-pump. When going on long rides, pick routes which are straight out so you can't cheat and take a shortcut on the way back. Take the time to make sure your bike fits you properly, get it adjusted until it's perfect, and then record the measurements so you can reset them after folding and unfolding.
Keep riding!
As for living with a bike, it's quite easy. I live in central Tokyo, and am car free. I commute to work each day by bike, and I do most of my shopping by bike as well. I am not a big fan of racks or baskets, I carry what I need in my backpack. I have a work backpack which I use commute to work, and a larger pack which I use when shopping.
Fitness, any exercise will improve your fitness. Years ago I was an amateur racer, I lived on endorphins, and as much food as three ordinary people, yet I was extremely lean and fit. As a business owner myself, I no longer have time to ride 500km per week, I have to content myself with 30 minutes of commuting each day, and occasional longer rides on my rare days off. Still, my blood pressure is great, and my resting pulse is 50 bpm.
I have always loved cycling since I started rising at the age of 6. The walls of my office are decorated with old Italian racing bikes I have restored, and my wife wonders which I need to have 4 bikes at our apartment (folder, road bike, cruiser, and hipster-faze fixie).
Enjoy yourself on your bike. Always carry a spare tube, a multi-tool, and a mini-pump. When going on long rides, pick routes which are straight out so you can't cheat and take a shortcut on the way back. Take the time to make sure your bike fits you properly, get it adjusted until it's perfect, and then record the measurements so you can reset them after folding and unfolding.
Keep riding!
Three bikes? Awwww man, that sucks! Sorry to hear that. On a quick side tangent, I wish that bike manufacturers would find a way to make the lock part of the frame. The lock wouldn't even need to be that good if cutting / destroying it completely destroyed the integrity of the frame making it unridable. Anyway, as I stated above I'm going for the Kryptonite lock as well (which one, I'm not sure of yet).
The backpack idea is something I've contemplated as well. One manufacturer makes a backpack that clips onto the luggage thing I got for my Tern. That may be a cool alternative to a basket/rack solution. The thing I never liked about a backpack is that when it's full of groceries it can be heavy, awkward, and inevitably you have your frozen fish sticks melting on your back while your hamburger helper box pokes you in the kidney.
Good advice on the spare tube, tool, and pump. The nice thing about the Tern is that it has a pump built into the seat, so that's nice. The tool, and tube I will have to figure out how to carry. I think I'll pick up one of those removable seat bags. Argh..one more thing to put on, and take off....bike thieves are jerk faces!
Hi,
It looks like you have a Term Like P7i from your last thread...
If you are used to a recumbent, you can consider converting a folding bike into a recumbent using a Cruzbike conversion kit. You should still be able to fit the folding bike into a suitcase for traveling, but it does make it harder to fold the bike (it probably turns a folding bike into a easily packable bike which may or may not meet your needs).
As far as shopping with the bike, most folding bikes don't work very well as shopping carts. Bromptons are an exception (and you probably could with something like the Origami Fox). All that being said, maybe it will work with your Tern. try it and see. If not, I'd recommend a rack as it doesn't look like it will interfere much with folding the bike. Getting panniers that fit folding bikes is a little harder than a regular bike, but certainly possible.
As far as fitness, you can absolutely get a workout on a folding bike. You can get a workout on pretty much any bike. I had a friend who would run at a 9 mph pace and we'd go out "brunning", he'd run and I'd follow along on a folding bike. If he thought I was having it too easy, he'd just change the route to go up big hills.
As far as locking your bike goes, I'd purchase a lock that comes with an anti-theft warrenty. It still sucks if you get a bike stolen, but getting money to buy a new one makes it suck a lot less. I bought MasterLock Cuff locks which are heavy but are easier to use than a U lock and have a $3500 anti-theft guarantee. I generally don't remove seat posts, etc, but I don't ride in areas where this is a big problem.
Having both ears covered to listen to music or whatever is illegal in many (most places) and (in my opinion) quite dangerous. If you want to listen to music, get an small speaker you can put on handlebars, etc. You want the volume quiet enough that you still hear traffic coming up behind you.
Have fun and ride safe,
Charles
It looks like you have a Term Like P7i from your last thread...
If you are used to a recumbent, you can consider converting a folding bike into a recumbent using a Cruzbike conversion kit. You should still be able to fit the folding bike into a suitcase for traveling, but it does make it harder to fold the bike (it probably turns a folding bike into a easily packable bike which may or may not meet your needs).
As far as shopping with the bike, most folding bikes don't work very well as shopping carts. Bromptons are an exception (and you probably could with something like the Origami Fox). All that being said, maybe it will work with your Tern. try it and see. If not, I'd recommend a rack as it doesn't look like it will interfere much with folding the bike. Getting panniers that fit folding bikes is a little harder than a regular bike, but certainly possible.
As far as fitness, you can absolutely get a workout on a folding bike. You can get a workout on pretty much any bike. I had a friend who would run at a 9 mph pace and we'd go out "brunning", he'd run and I'd follow along on a folding bike. If he thought I was having it too easy, he'd just change the route to go up big hills.
As far as locking your bike goes, I'd purchase a lock that comes with an anti-theft warrenty. It still sucks if you get a bike stolen, but getting money to buy a new one makes it suck a lot less. I bought MasterLock Cuff locks which are heavy but are easier to use than a U lock and have a $3500 anti-theft guarantee. I generally don't remove seat posts, etc, but I don't ride in areas where this is a big problem.
Having both ears covered to listen to music or whatever is illegal in many (most places) and (in my opinion) quite dangerous. If you want to listen to music, get an small speaker you can put on handlebars, etc. You want the volume quiet enough that you still hear traffic coming up behind you.
Have fun and ride safe,
Charles
Great advice cplager!
That would be so strange to convert my folder into a recumbent, but I'm totally going to look into that. I'm not sure I would trust a recumbent in the city though. I love how it feels on long rides, but it never did feel "right" when I was in town. I always wondered what would happen if I wiped out.....does it seem better to go head first with the option of rolling out of the accident like a ninja, or go slamming groin first into the handle bars? Something I hope I never have to find out.
Ya...the Tern bikes don't seem to fold amazing when it comes to shopping. I looked at my Tern today and it seems no matter which way you roll it, the basket doesn't really end up in the greatest position. I realize it's not a shopping cart, but I hope I can find some solution that will allow me to wheel it around, and hold the groceries. It does have a rear rack on it, but as you mentioned the panniers won't really fit unless I upgrade to a higher rack. I can get small panniers, but then I won't really be able to fit groceries, so....
I looked into the warranty that you mentioned. The problem seems to be that with a company such as Kryptonite, they have so many requirements (including having to return the damaged lock), that in reality I'm not sure anyone ever gets a payout. Plus, my understanding is that they require you have insurance on the bike, and they only pay the deductible. I read the fine print, and it does appear they have it cleverly written to avoid ever having to pay. I think the bike is covered under my house insurance, but I'm double checking to see what that actually means.
Speakers....hmmm, not a bad idea. I'm not sure that would be all that practical to listen to Podcasts, and while it may seem strange, the last thing Berlin needs is more noise pollution. I would feel bad for subjecting them to some of my podcasts...even though they're mostly science based.
Thanks all. I think that answers most of my questions. The only things I'm not quite clear on are...
1. Lock folded, or unfolded?
2. Should I bother with Pinhead Wheel Locks? (Researching Now)
3. If I go with Pinheads...will they fit the Tern P7i?
4. Which U-Lock(s) to choose? (Researching Now)
11-24-12, 11:33 AM
#10
Banned
One thing Brompton has is a frame with a closed triangle to pass a lock up chain thru,
to lock it to something,
My Heavy rider Bike friday is better than the regular single oval tube version,
for the same reason.. a Triangle Main frame to pass the lock thru.
IDK about Terns .. the Caspian ones Know when the Salmon return to the river..
to lock it to something,
My Heavy rider Bike friday is better than the regular single oval tube version,
for the same reason.. a Triangle Main frame to pass the lock thru.
IDK about Terns .. the Caspian ones Know when the Salmon return to the river..
11-25-12, 05:57 AM
#11
Senior Member
Most folding bikes can be carried easily enough, a good bag with a wide shoulder strap makes the task easier.
11-25-12, 01:36 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,984
Bikes: Brompton, Dahon Vitesse D5
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Bromptons are too heavy, though whatever the weight of a folder one wouldn't want to carry it far. The Brompton design is uniquely useful with respect to a particular variety of trolleying though there are instances where a Dahon type rolling is preferable. . . there are always advantages specific to types of folding design.
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